7 Lesser-Known Collectibles Worth Thousands of Dollars
Coins, trading cards, art and toys are some of the most common collectibles. However, there are lesser-known collectibles worth thousands of dollars. You may even have them sitting in your house without knowing their value.
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From ancient DC comic books to antique maps used in search of treasures, here are seven of the least common collectibles that can still fetch a large sum.
Comic Books
Comic books are sometimes underrated, because people who don’t read them think they’re just books for kids. However, true fans understand the actual value of these treasures.
For instance, Amazing Fantasy Number 15, the first comic book to feature Spider-Man, was sold for $3.6 million in 2021, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Last year, the first-ever issue of Action Comics, where Superman made his debut, sold for $6 million at auction, according to Fortune.
You don’t need the oldest comic books to make a fortune. Even the most recent ones can sell for decent amounts, especially if they’re limited edition and in mint condition.
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Antique Maps
Did you know that the most expensive map in the world, according to Guinness World Records, sold for $10 million in 2001? Antique maps are among the lesser-known collectibles that can fetch thousands of dollars if they’re in good condition.
Collectors are always in the market for rare pieces of historical significance or by famous cartographers like Ptolemy and Waldsemüller. For example, Ptolemy’s world map sold for about $312,000 at an auction in 2009, according to Booktryst.
If you have some antique maps lying around, this might be the best time to have someone value them.
Flatware
This may come as a surprise, but flatware ranks well among the most expensive collectibles. Not everyday silver-plated spoons and forks, but actual silver ones. Believe it or not, a George I silver spoon was recently priced between $2,500 and $3,800 at Sotheby’s. A Paul Revere Jr. spoon once sold for over $30,000.
Flatware can be expensive, depending on its quality, design and reputation. Sterling silver is more expensive than silver-plated items. Also, your item will likely fetch more, even millions, if it’s by reputable brands like Paul Revere Jr or Tiffany & Co.
Posters
A poster’s value depends on several factors, including the fame of the event or the artists. Posters from iconic films and concerts fetch impressive prices. For instance, in 2005, a “Metropolis” poster fetched $690,000, while a poster of the famous “Frankenstein” movie sold for $358,500, according to Mental Floss.
If you’re a collector looking to sell your collection, you’ll likely earn top dollar for posters that marked important milestones in the music and film industry. For example, given the show’s significance in the Marvel franchise, an “Avengers: Endgame” poster will likely become a valuable item in your collection in the future.
Technology
Another rare collectible that can fetch thousands of dollars is technology items. This can be any device or software that marked an important milestone in technological advancement. For example, Fortune reported, a first generation Apple iPhone sold for $190,373 in 2023, and Barron’s reported that a first generation iPod sold for $29,000 the same year.
Such collectibles are valuable, especially if they’re in mint condition, even better if they’re sealed limited editions. The value lies in rarity and retro designs, making earning top dollar from your collection possible.
Cassette Tapes
Cassette tapes evoke nostalgia, especially among older generations who used them regularly at some point. Their value is typically a few dollars, but they can fetch thousands if they’re in good condition, rare and by a famous artist.
According to Discogs, one of Celine Dion’s early releases, “Opération Beurre de Pinottes,” sold for about $1,500, while Eminem’s “Slim Shady” cassette sold for a little over $1,400. Cassettes may be on the lower end, but they still fetch impressive prices.
Sports Memorabilia
Sports memorabilia is underrated, but fans will pay top dollar to have something pre-owned or signed by their idols. Some good examples are Michael Jordan’s jersey, which sold for $10.1 million in 2022, and Messi’s World Cup set jersey, which sold for $7.8 million in 2023, according to Sportico.
You don’t need to have items used by famous athletes to make money. Even a ball signed by Ronaldo could potentially sell for a high amount of cash. So, if you have something an iconic sports figure owned or signed, it could fetch top dollar.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 7 Lesser-Known Collectibles Worth Thousands of Dollars
